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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Birth History and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Youth With Significant Obesity
Sara K Hurley1, Diane Vizthum1, Kirstie Ducharme-Smith2
1School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Insights
Prematurity does not independently predict hypertension or heart abnormalities in obese children. Promoting healthy lifestyles is key for pediatric cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Neonatal Research
Background:
- Children born prematurely face increased lifetime risks for hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Pediatric obesity is a growing concern, potentially exacerbating CVD risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prematurity and CVD risk factors in children with obesity and elevated blood pressure.
- To determine if dietary sodium intake modifies these associations.
Main Methods:
- Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess relationships between prematurity (gestational age <37 weeks; low birth weight <2.5 kg) and hypertension, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
- Effect modification by dietary sodium intake was also explored in 90 children with obesity and elevated blood pressure.
Main Results:
- Prematurity (early gestational age/low birth weight) was not an independent predictor of hypertension, LVMI, or LVH in this cohort.
- Dietary sodium intake did not demonstrate a significant effect modification on the associations between prematurity and CVD risk factors.
Conclusions:
- The increased CVD risk associated with prematurity may be less pronounced in children with specific cardiometabolic profiles.
- Preventing pediatric obesity through heart-healthy lifestyle promotion is crucial for long-term cardiovascular health.
Abstract:
Children born prematurely have greater lifetime risk for hypertension. We aimed to determine (1) the association between prematurity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among 90 children with obesity and elevated blood pressure and (2) if dietary sodium intake modified these associations. Multivariable regression analysis explored for associations between prematurity (<37 weeks gestation; early gestational age) and low birth weight (<2.5 kg) with hypertension, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Effect modification by dietary sodium intake was also explored. Patients were predominately male (60%), black (78%), adolescents (13.3 years), and with substantial obesity (body mass index: 36.5 kg/m2). Early gestational age/low birth weight was not an independent predictor for hypertension, LVMI, or LVH. There was no effect modification by sodium load. Our results suggest the increased CVD risk conferred by prematurity is less significant at certain cardiometabolic profiles. Promoting heart-healthy lifestyles to prevent pediatric obesity remains of utmost importance to foster cardiovascular health.
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